The City of Sacramento was recently chosen to receive a $1.8 million grant to bring electric-vehicle programs to community centers and libraries, giving a boost to Sacramento’s goal of becoming the “zero-emission vehicle capital of California.”
The grant, provided by the California Energy Commission, a State policy and planning agency, will fund the electric-vehicle-charger installation, car- and bike-share programs and public art.
City sustainability staff said the new programs will help to provide underserved communities with affordable access to transportation that is friendly to the environment.
“Most of our electric-vehicle infrastructure is in the downtown core, but as we continue to expand these programs, we want them to grow in a more equitable way,” said Jenna Hahn, a sustainability analyst with the City. “We’re trying to invest in unique programs — such as car- and bike-sharing — and involve communities in a meaningful way to get the most of these investments.”
Electric chargers will be installed at seven City community centers, including Belle Cooledge, Coloma, George Sim, Hagginwood, Oak Park, Pannell and South Natomas. They also will be installed at Sacramento public libraries, including Belle Cooledge, Colonial Heights, Del Paso, Martin Luther King Jr., North Natomas and Valley Hi-North Laguna.
The installation of electric-vehicle chargers will be supported by Sacramento Metro Air District and Sacramento Municipal Utilities District, which have committed $650,000 and $99,000 respectively to the project.
The grant will make electric bikes available in at least one public library, which will be chosen with community input.
Public art inspired by electric vehicles, equity, air pollution and climate change will be a part of two additional electric vehicle charging locations in downtown.
Construction is expected to begin in spring 2021 and be completed by early 2024.
“We hope these projects will help establish Sacramento as the state leader for zero-emission-vehicle technologies that reduce our air pollution while bringing affordable and reliable mobility options and jobs to the City,” said Jennifer Venema, the City’s Interim Climate Action Manager.